More days equal more fun at Best of BoerneFest

By Linda Byrne, Contributing Writer :
May 14, 2013

Main Plaza is reaching for high notes this weekend as Gary P. Nunn and Two Tons of Steel set the rhythm of an expanded BoerneFest.

Last year's one-day event was the first and drew 3,000 people over a five-hour period, said Bonnie Westley, communications director of the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce. Organizers are expecting much greater participation at this year's three-day festival.

A business showcase, food vendors, artists and entertainers will be on hand for revelers and families seeking a few hours of fun under the spring sun — or night sky.

The event opens with the lighting of Cibolo Creek and a free concert on Friday evening from 7 to 10 p.m. at Main Plaza.

“The chamber has booked Two Tons of Steel, a well-known Texas country band with a huge following that frequently appears at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry,” Westley said.

“There will be three firepots in the water, with lighting at 7 p.m., and they'll be placed near the bridge at San Antonio Road next to the Plaza, this year's primary venue.”

Are you an early bird instead of a night owl? Bring your baskets on Saturday morning beginning at 8:30 a.m. and pick up homemade foods, locally grown plants and produce at the Herff Farm Farmers Market, relocating to downtown for this one event. It's a locavore's dream and the market will be in full swing until noon.

“Dozens of activities designed to engage the kids begin at 10 a.m.,” Westley said. “Until 5 p.m., you'll be presented with all the ambiance of a street fair. Imagine a sea of brightly colored canopies that will encircle Main Plaza. Ribbons of business booths will meander around the plaza interspersed with live entertainment, a food court, art displays and activities, with shaded areas.”

Local volunteers will show their ingenuity as they build sculptures from donated canned goods in a new event called Donation Creation. Also, a business showcase with more than 100 participants will promote their products and services.

Live music will be featured throughout the day, with the highlight set for late afternoon.

“It's a free concert starting at 5:30 p.m. starring the country music legend Gary P. Nunn, recently featured at the world-famous annual Music Fest in Steamboat, Colorado,” Westley said. “Nunn is the founding father of the progressive country movement out of Austin in the 1970s that changed the face of popular music, establishing himself as an icon of Lone Star music, inducted into the Texas Hall of Fame in 2004.”

On Sunday beginning at 10 a.m., participants can join in the fun of the Art Waddle, a self-guided art walk through the Flats, one of Boerne's residential neighborhoods, just off of the plaza.

At noon, a free Make a Joyful Noise Concert is scheduled on Main Plaza. It features Boerne's faith-based community's choirs, ensembles and bands, and attendees are invited to chime in.